doi: 10.1007/s13280-015-0729-6.
Solar energy for electricity and fuels
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- PMID:26667056
- PMCID: PMC4678122
- DOI: 10.1007/s13280-015-0729-6
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Solar energy for electricity and fuels
Olle Inganäs et al. Ambio.2016 Jan.
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Abstract
Solar energy conversion into electricity by photovoltaic modules is now a mature technology. We discuss the need for materials and device developments using conventional silicon and other materials, pointing to the need to use scalable materials and to reduce the energy payback time. Storage of solar energy can be achieved using the energy of light to produce a fuel. We discuss how this can be achieved in a direct process mimicking the photosynthetic processes, using synthetic organic, inorganic, or hybrid materials for light collection and catalysis. We also briefly discuss challenges and needs for large-scale implementation of direct solar fuel technologies.
Keywords: Artificial photosynthesis; Photocatalysis; Photocatalysts; Photosensitizers; Photovoltaics; Solar fuel.
Figures
A comparison of finite and renewable planetary energy reserves measured in TW/years. Total recoverable reserves are shown in TWy for the finite resources, and yearly potential for the renewables. OTEC = Ocean thermal energy conversion. One TWy is 8760 TWh. This figure does not include shale gas or shale oil nor the energy available in methane hydrate. Source: Perez and Perez (2009)
a The solar radiation arriving at the surface of the earth is distributed over different wavelengths of light, with tails extending far out in the infrared and invisible region. With semiconductor materials, light with energy higher/wavelengths shorter than the band gap of the material can be absorbed (shadow in graph), but none below the band gap.b The semiconductor is contacted with electrodes and exposed to solar light. PhotocurrentJsc from the devices depends on absorption and charge generation in the active material; the photo-voltageVoc basically depends on the materials.c The current–voltage curve shows both these parameters, and the device is used to deliver electricity at the maximum power delivery point, indicated with astar
Schematic picture of an artificial photosynthesis assembly consisting of a light collecting photosensitizer (PS), a proton reducing catalyst (PRC), and a water splitting catalyst (WSC)
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